Creativity suggestions? - DPChallenge Forums

01/03/2008 03:54:53 PM · #1

I am NOT complaining! (Just wanted to get that clear straight-off :D )

I wasn't happy with this shot from the beginning. I knew that I had just about the stupidest-possible gift, in or out of context, but I just could NOT think of a creative way to showcase it. (There's nothing inherently stupid about a comb or camera film, but become stupid when taken in the context of their recipients. A wind-up penis is simply stupid, no two ways about it!)

I wanted to at least catch it jumping but I can't get at my bright lights to get a fast enough shutter. I tried to put something under it to fake it, but it wouldn't balance and I didn't want to wreck it by gluing or somesuch. I don't have a good enough model to fake the appropriate expression that the ribbonwinners did so well.

I just could NOT think up any good, workable ideas!! :( Soooo... I tried for the contrast between a nice product shot and a ridiculous product, knowing it was rather boring.

The point of this overlong post is that I'd appreciate any ideas on what I might have done with Johnny to present him in a more interesting way, given my limitations. I would have loved to ask before I entered, but... you know... they have these funny things called rules here... :)

(edited for my "rEdiculous spelling)

Message edited by author 2008-01-03 15:56:05.

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

01/03/2008 06:16:08 PM · #2

Okay, I just accept that I'm beyond help....

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/03/2008 06:36:54 PM · #3

I haven't given this much more than 20 seconds thought so far, but my immediate idea would be to place Johnny on the nightstand under a lamp next to the bed. Maybe include something like a harlequin romance novel somewhere in the shot too.

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/03/2008 06:39:45 PM · #4

How about stick him on a rock in the foreground, with a body of water in the middle and a nice sunset/sunrise in the background?

;-)

01/03/2008 06:39:55 PM · #5

Yak; Lol, I like that, thanks :)

Falc; Maybe if I lived in Iceland!

Message edited by author 2008-01-03 18:41:00.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/03/2008 10:12:17 PM · #6

One bump, because my creativity has really hit a slump lately, and I'm hoping your great ideas will help to stimulate a few of my own again :)
In other words..... HELLLPPPPPPP.......

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

01/03/2008 11:00:43 PM · #7

Okey dokey...

One big problem is that it won't be immediately obvious to everyone what the "item" is, so context is critical for communication. It doesn't have to be the box though... other surrounding elements or a good title can do the job. In your entry, we can figure out what it is, but there is zero sense of a holiday. A little wrapping paper or holiday decoration garnish would be better IMO. Here's a few ideas...

You could amplify the humor by showing a really old woman with horn-rimmed glasses as the recipient (having a person in the shot often helps, and it doesn't have to be a supermodel).

It says on the box that this gizmo glows in the dark. Maybe use that feature for an interesting lighting effect, and just show it in all its luminescent glory.

You could go for an elegant still life scene with gift wrap and candles for image appeal, and then use a title like, "I've heard of dickheads before, but didn't know you could actually buy one."

Dress up in "formal" clothing, and make it LOOK stupid in the context of a very traditional holiday: ""On the 6th day of Xmas, my true love gave to me... a wind-up plastic dickhead"

Take the "disappointment" approach with a sad expression and this little guy: "All I wanted for Xmas was a better love life, but...."

Maybe you contrast a really nice gift with this stupid one: "Expensive Ring vs. Free Willy"

Shoot it as "A little stocking stuffer for the woman who has everything"

Show it alongside some recall warnings and enter "One of the few SAFE toys made in China"

Put it among torn wrapping paper with the edge of a tag showing, "Love, Dick"

Prop it up on a Joy of Sex book "Batteries not included"